Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is cementing its presence in the United States (US) with the launch of nonstop flights between Manila and Chicago beginning in November, providing Filipinos with a direct link to the Midwest.

In a statement, PAL announced that it will mount thrice-weekly direct flights to Chicago starting Nov. 9, marking its eighth destination in the US.

PAL President Richard Nuttall said operating flights to Chicago not only solidifies the carrier’s nationwide dominance but also strengthens its regional leadership in terms of connectivity to the US.

With the addition of the new route, he said PAL is now the Southeast Asian airline with the most expansive network connecting travelers to the US mainland and its island territories.

“At the same time, serving the Chicago–Manila corridor will create vital links to key regional destinations and major Philippine domestic markets through our Manila hub,” said Nuttall.

Chicago, which serves as a key entry point into the Midwest, is home to a huge diaspora of Filipinos.

PAL will operate the service using an Airbus A350-900, accommodating up to 295 passengers.

Flights to Chicago will depart from Manila in the afternoon every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, arriving in Chicago in the afternoon local time.

Meanwhile, the return service from Chicago will operate on the same days, departing in the evening and arriving in Manila early in the morning.

PAL’s announcement of the Manila–Chicago service comes after the US Department of Transportation (DOT) granted the airline exemption authority for its request to operate direct flights on the route for one year.

As reported by Manila Bulletin, the US DOT’s approval came after Delta Air Lines withdrew its opposition to PAL’s request following the Philippine government’s assurance that it will provide access to the US carrier in Manila should it launch flights there.

To promote the new route, PAL is offering an introductory round-trip economy fare of $667 until May 31.

Further expanding its reach in the US, PAL will increase flight frequency between Manila and Los Angeles from 14 to 18 per week starting June 1.

The carrier will also expand its Seattle service, increasing flights from five to six weekly for the months of June and July.

At present, PAL also flies to the US through Honolulu, San Francisco, New York, Guam, and Saipan.